Lawrence Kolankiewicz

Lawrence “Larry” Kolankiewicz, 93, formerly of the Port Richmond section of Philadelphia, passed away on March 9, 2026. After earning a BA from Temple University in 1955, he began his career at Bell of Pennsylvania, which later became Verizon, rising to the role of Project Manager before retiring in 1989. He and his wife, Aldona, then devoted themselves to travel and time together. The couple moved from Mayfair to Marlton, New Jersey, in 1969 and later settled in Southampton, New Jersey, in 1988.

Larry was an active member of the Antler Gun Club in Shamong, New Jersey, where he cherished the outdoors and formed many lifelong friendships. Kind, generous, and gregarious, he had a special talent for making others feel valued. He loved gathering with family and friends to “have a snort” and “hold court,” and he fondly recalled summers playing halfball with neighbors in Brush Hollow. Above all, he doted on his family, took great joy in watching his five grandchildren grow, and delighted in his nine great-grandchildren. Even in his final weeks, he was carefully breaking in and oiling baseball mitts for the entire family.

A proud Army veteran who was honorably discharged with the rank of Captain, Larry was deeply proud of his family’s military service. He was predeceased by his father, former Pennsylvania state representative and Philadelphia City Councilman Dr. Leon J. Kolankiewicz; his mother, Helen (née Lojewska); his wife of 37 years, Aldona (née Stawuszewska); his brothers Leon II, Thaddeus, and Robert A.; and his sister-in-law Pauline Kolankiewicz. After Aldona’s death in 1993, his loyal companions were his German Shepherds, Foxy II and Foxy III.

He is survived by his son Lawrence “Larry” (Karen) of Southampton, New Jersey; his son James “Jimmy” (Nancy) of Atco, New Jersey; his daughter Nancy of Southampton; his daughter Barbara “Barb” of Mount Laurel, New Jersey; and his sister-in-law Arlene of State College, Pennsylvania. He also leaves behind grandchildren Lawrence “Larry” (Julie), Kristin Meile (Jeff), Karley Hartranft (Kyle), Victoria “Tori,” and Seth (Erin Moore); great-grandchildren Elizabeth “Libby,” John, and Andrew “Drew” Kolankiewicz, Graham and Jack Meile, Sophie and Penny Hartranft, and Sage and Cinder Kolankiewicz; along with many nephews, nieces, great-nephews, great-nieces, and dear friends.